Common in dry grassland and rough meadows throughout the British Isles, less numerous in the north. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 23-29mm. The main confusion species is A. geniculea, but A. inquinatella is variably streaked longitudinally, while A. geniculea has a pair of chevrons across each forewing. Larva feeds on stems of various low grasses, such as Sheep's-fescue, living within a silken gallery at the base of the plant.

Flightime guide
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D